The Story of How I Got Into the Metal Recycling Industry at a Young Age! Its Been a Crazy Ride!

[@hschultz123]

Great story. Supportive parents, a passion for learning and doing, and a laid-back attitude. Good luck.

[@BenchPress1989]

I started at the scrap yard I work at when I was 15 in 2005. I've done every job here over the last 19 years and now I'm the Operations Manager. There's no telling what you'll see on an average day. Scrapping gets in your blood!

[@kennethguckert4771]

Thank you for this video, there is nothing better than a loving and supportive family.

[@stevesloan1047]

Wow. Great story. Hard work wins. You are an inspiration for young kids. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@philthelawnman]

Good video Mike. And you and you Brother we some of the best people I have worked for.

[@nickwallace2383]

This story is Great Michael! Don't ever apologies for the fact that you have parents that stand behind their children's Dreams! Keep on keeping on! ✌️

[@gotrdid09]

Its been a pleasure doing business with you over the years brother. Youve always done right by me.

[@michaels_scrap_life]

The audio is fixed, but I'm not sure why the first 15 seconds are so blurry! Sorry for the issues with this video!

[@Keto-Cheato]

Do you have any iridium? Plutonium? What's yer favorite cracker? Ritz? Triscuit? How about cheese? Hypothetically speaking... If I had a friend... And he/ she/ they were samari, wouldn't that make them Samarians instead of Japanese? How do you like your BBQ? Memphis dry rub? Smoked? Hickory or mesquite? How has business been under Biden? Have you looked into Flat Earth? Jesus save you yet? Are you Armenian? What do you think about the Simpson's predictions? Who's yo Daddy! Why haven't the mafia pushed you out of the recycling biz? Favorite cartoon? Have you found anything BAD in recycle automobiles? Do the tweekers bring you good batteries? Would you move to Cleveland? Shakes.. Chocolate or vanilla? Dude. I have so many questions. ❤

[@nvragn]

No worries ty for getting it fixed up and reposting it 👍🇨🇦🔧

[@PhilipRomeo69]

Where is your yard located

[@Kiwi.Fix.It.144]

@@michaels_scrap_life no worries man, didn't even notice

[@SPR-777]

Your doing great. Hard work and perseverance pays off.

[@bccradventures84]

Really enjoyed your story and happy for your success!! Look forward to more of your videos and stories!!

[@davechristel5408]

Thank you for the story of how hard work, family support and a good attitude lead to success!

[@adamv5047]

Awesome story. Be cool to see some photos of your mountain of scrap from back in the day.

[@michaelandmason]

This was wholesome, down to earth and I love the story dude names Mike and I’ve been doing scrap for two years off and on but made some serious money when I focus and good on you guys for taking it as far as you have

[@jeremiahhoward8880]

Let’s see all the machines again looks like you’ve got a few more material handlers

[@That38Guy]

Great story, proud of you for going for it.

[@GOMADandSquats]

Awesome story, I’d kill for daily style vlogs. Such interesting content.

[@serdneb]

Don’t worry so much about negative comments. I’d like to see a collab with Vice Grip Garage or Diesel Creek. Also like how you always keep it authentic. Always interesting to me!!

[@tomendter1718]

Great story and thanks for sharing. I took 4 old pump motors to my local recycling center today, got $20 bucks. It was my first ever trip.

[@STAMOS711]

Great story.. very inspiring.. just got into scraping 2 months ago i wish i could have started 40 years ago ... very fun hobby.. keep up the great work and videos.. ***subscribed***

[@SomervilleBob]

Good for you and your family! I wish I came from a family that worked together so well.

[@Kiwi.Fix.It.144]

Legend bro! Keep the vids coming. I'm a plumber gasfitter but it's my dream to get into recycling. Inspiration

[@brazilnut8898]

I never thought for a second that this video would be this interesting.

[@buckeyejim2989]

🗿💨 yep, been watching the shorts for a minute. Ambitious fella 👍💯

[@cuscrapping]

Thank you for reposting this, Michael. I am always fascinated by everyone's stories on how they got into scrap. 👍

[@paulwho3444]

Thx for sharing good luck in future and have fun. Merry christmas

[@Threeeees]

Sounds like ALOT of hard work! Awesome success story so far!!!

[@clarkdouglas6517]

Thanks for the personal story. That always adds context to the overall story. The fun of crushing will always be enjoyed along with some of the more technical stuff. My thought is that since you are not relying on content for income you don't need to worry about what we want. Do the things that are interesting or fun for you and the rest of us will follow along.

[@jasonpeters3228]

Awesome history. I’m in the in trouble with the county phase out in the county even.

[@ericstalker7973]

That is a very interesting story of how you guys got started. Don't let them Internet trolls get to you by talking BS about receiving help from your parents. You are obviously very thankful for them and that is much better than kissing a bank's ass for help. You guys are doing the same thing from when you were all younger but now on a much much bigger scale. Keep up the amazing work and having fun doing it ❤️

[@bigjosh4810]

IDC how u got were you are and you did what was best for you and I'm glad you are happy

[@scottmcelyea125]

And I always enjoy your videos I listen to your story about how you get started and my hat's off to you it doesn't matter how you got there you got there and that's what counts I'm in the demolition business and we always have scrap and always enjoy watching your videos

[@superpowerbomb]

Michael i love your channel! Congrats and keep updating us and smashing things! Ignore the haters. They'll continue to doom scroll and troll, and not understand the concept of self-respect.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

That's a great story!! I work for a small scrap company. I know enough to know that, that exhaust on the truck in the background, probably got bent by one of the grapple loaders. 🤣 I started in the yard, did that for a while, then I went and got my class b and ran roll offs for a few years. Boss kept hollering about needing class a drivers, so I went and got my class a cdl. I've been doing that for a few years now. Easiest way to move up in pay. I love working in scrap metal and recycling, not only does it help out the earth, but it also helps keep the cost of products down. I like the idea of being a part of that. I gave you a 👍and I'll subscribe, because us Mikes need all the help we can get. 🤣

[@frankgeurts3912]

Wonderful story,we did the same with old paper when in my youth

[@jesses517]

Wow that’s really awesome. I pray to do something along the lines of what you did in the since of building a business. I’m trying to start a concrete chipping business this year as I start my first year of college. Your videos give me hope that one day I can be in a position like you!

[@kirkniles4184]

Loving the content…. I like watching interactions with customers….like nonferrous Jeff on his channel Also from Florida

[@richardnorthern6945]

Humble beginnings 😊

[@tima7763]

Hard work always pays off in long run!

[@njh4473]

You guys did a great job getting where you’re at today, don’t worry about the haters keep the videos coming and keep up the hard work.

[@terrycasey805]

That's an Awsome story. Good luck in your future. I still brake scrap down like my Dad did. I just can't do it everyday. I still keep my aluminum cans due to prices are at their lowest.

[@ronaldharris2530]

A true American dream come true. Congrats on your success and I hope you continue to grow your business. Wish I was closer to be able to sell scrap to you. Again congrats and continue to grow. Love the videos.

[@EdP-w3x]

You are a golden person, you come across very humblely.

[@ProfessorDopefiend]

Great content . I'd like to see your dad interviewed. Generational wealth building strong families are interesting

[@nathanfitzgerald3203]

Great the story, thanks for sharing. Nothing but the best. Nate

[@LiquidMetalLab]

I don’t really remember a time I wasn’t scrapping never pursued it as a career until lately and never thought it would be a KZbin channel but here we are!

[@Hyzerfl1p]

If your son grows up into this type man you should be proud.

[@firedogpotter]

Cool Story. Thanks for sharing.

[@codymackin1245]

If you had the property and starting out brand new. What would the first few “must have” pieces of equipment you would buy?

[@Dawson-vy3zw]

Dude love the story super cool to hear how you made it. Iv wondered why you don’t break down any of the copper motors for metals. But I always assume it’s just about the time and costs.

[@gatorsadventures2298]

Great story

[@25vrd48]

Back in the mid 60's we had a 47 K7 International former Marine Military 6 x 6 Winch truck with winches on the front and rear . Long set of Gin poles and a short set for close winching . One summer we worked with a man loading scrap vehicles in several different wrecking yards . This was before hydraulic crane trucks were being built . We worked hard and made really good money , working from early in the morning and getting home late at night . Rain and snow slowed us down a lot but we did the best we could . Scrap was paying good and we made it while we could . We sure did tear up the property and the junk yard owners would give us hell but they wanted to get as much junk gone and get the good money while they could . We would stack the vehicles and set them on fire as to burn the interiors out and get a better price for the scrap . I remember gas tanks blowing up and one time a driveshaft in a 57 ford car exploded and it flattened out like it had been run over by an asphalt roller had run over it . Scrapping vehicles and tearing stuff up has always been fun and I'm 75 years old now and wish I was still scrapping . Keep up the hard work as we're never going to run out of recyclable metals .

[@mitch7046]

I love this KZbin channel. It's very interesting. You seem like a great person . Your good at speaking on the videos. BUT!!!!! It blows my mind to hear some of the things that people say to you. I didn't realize how many people are just jealous haters. To hear some of the verbal Bullshit they say to you. Please don't invest to much content time responding or defending yourself. It's not necessary. Your a hard working self made person. Thank you for sharing a peek into the world of metal recycling.

[@Gman1986-us1ib]

I work I a scrap yard in the Scotland I love watching your videos keep them up 💪🏻🫡

[@gabrielfrost9998]

Awesome Job Braddah 🤙

[@dominickvillegas]

Love it Mike keep up the good work Dominick at reliable recycling ca

[@scrapmanindustries]

I’d be interested to see how you guys handle the trucking side of it. I ran a contracted truck hauling Omni source’s shred from a feeder yard to their shredder yard for a bit. Ikd be interesting to see how someone else does it.

[@Avid_D]

Good content. You should be given this talk at a university or in a college business 101 class. I finished college too and now I take metal to the scrap yard.

[@rogerstlaurent8704]

I love to hear more about the metal recycling business I also like to know what your worst year and best year

[@richardroyles1423]

I would like to see those. Thank you God bless.

[@hschultz123]

I would like to know why metal turnings get hot.

[@ianmckee5467]

I want an update on when the u pull will be ready! I'm 5 miles from the other location and am dying for it!!

[@JimJones-k7w]

I'm looking for commercial property to start the same thing been scrapping forever it's in my blood I love it

[@susananthony2366]

That was a great story Michael. Is it possible to follow an item being scrapped from scrap, processing to new product?

[@ezone913]

Any plans to buy a hammer mill and shaker table? E-waste has gold inside. Thanks for sharing.

[@peterallen3105]

I am impressed . What’s next for you?

[@mattclark5480]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@susananthony2366]

Also, what happens to all the added plastic and rubber we see scrappers on other channels dumping at scrap yards?

[@scottmcelyea125]

Congrats to you does it matter how you got there I'm sure you all are in some kind of terms about paying him back and does it matter if you do or don't

[@RichieAlvarez-sq6dn]

Ur a Kool guy I love too scrap ❤

[@buckeyejim2989]

🗿💨 your brother's, GF s, father, was instrumental in getting you started.🧲🕊️ Great lil vid, thanks for sharing 💯👍

[@masonmckenzie5143]

If you’re able to share the information on how material is price for example if aluminum is at $1a pound and copper at $4 a pound what will alternators pay per pound. Also part of that question is wheew is an accurate place to follow the metal markets

[@stevengullison410]

Hello, I like your stories,Steve from NB

[@nosk1984]

Do you know how the market or buyer is able to change the price point on where they are in the states. Most of our shipping is either by railway or semi here in Nevada. Would that be a major factor in the cheap numbers they pay for stuff. Also I always wanted to own a yard when I was younger but you summed it up in how it is to get in. Just like a tow yard forsay. Multiple generations so on. 1 other question on copper or brass is it best to just bring it to a yard raw or melted down into ingots?

[@markzylstra4075]

Question ,How do you pick equipment needed for your business?

[@Hinsontowing]

Michael can you please go over how to disassemble a whole car make the most money out of it I know cut cats but I love to hear from scrap yard side

[@Langevinhomestead]

We need a live camera

[@richardroyles1423]

Smash more stuff.

[@JB-mf1zc]

Hey Mike that's wat it takes is hard work and long hours!!!!!!!!! I enjoy your videos!! Jesus is coming very soon to get His people His children!!!!!! God Bless!!!!!!

[@DamienThompson-m7g]

Do some trucking driving videos please and go over the trucks please

[@waynejones1239]

What is your plans for your future?

[@0778drz110]

Don't be ashamed for getting help from dad. As the child you repay him by using that opportunity to be successful. The current societal attitude of everyone having to do everything themselves is endless struggle and a lot of debt for most people.

[@danielluma2948]

Do you scrap out computer equipment

[@Kiwi.Fix.It.144]

A day in the life of the scrap man video

[@geraldduncan8954]

Pricing per item

[@markbrown-us4xe]

I've seen you have set backs but never lose your cool. Bet your family is proud. Now paint that scooter please.

[@Taxpayeroftherepublic]

What state are you in?

[@lt.schlechtnacht9414]

Everyone these days wants to start a scrap business, most people are smart and they'll just take their stuff to the yard. too much competition now and in my opining its not worth it. Its great that yours turned out successful

[@arslanLab]

Hello Michael can i edit video for you?

[@jeffwilliams3642]

Does your brother still.work with you too?

[@vincentdistefano4113]

Time to sell tee shirts

[@MarkSewell-s6p]

So is your brother still with ya? Or is he the same brother that has the dealership selling equipment? And if so what happen there?

[@KDMusic62]

Is your brother still in the business with you?

[@fartsackjack7081]

F the ones who say daddy this daddy that .....everyone needs some kinda help great story i wanna seee the old pictures ,,,,that sounds GREAT

[@edwardcrowley5987]

Don't want to know. Make sure you have a succesion plan in place.

[@Mikk-t2o]

Ha ha I started basically way u did.first car was on a 100$ 1/2 ton trk 500,000km and uncle trailer.now 14 lot in northern alberta Canada.even name as u

[@Mikk-t2o]

14 acer Same name as u

[@robertross804]

keep the thieves out nice story

[@perhapsbutmaybe]

I wish everyone finds a dumpster full of copper wire

[@53rat]

Scrappers buy for pennies and sell for dollars……good gig for sure

[@jimmyshotaman6581]

Thanks for fixing the video, good story. Keep up the good work!

[@lefthandedleprechaun8702]

A college education is almost completely useless in your and my business. Notjing to gsin by wasting 4 years and a ton of money

[@chrishuston1451]

Great story